Ed Petersen: Everett Station could be vibrant community hub
By Ed Petersen / Herald Forum
What if we had a vibrant and thriving transit center in Everett, much like the mixed-use facilities that are now developing in Everett Port.
Examples in the region and across the country inspire us to think about what our Everett Station neighborhood might look like. Nineteen years ago, in 2002, when our beautiful train station opened, we received such a vision that people live at the transport hub and we all enjoy easy access to jobs and recreation through efficient use of trains, buses and light rail vehicles.
This vision did not materialize. The development of the quarter around the transit center is long overdue. With the Metro Everett Plan adopted in 2018, we now have the land use and zoning framework for traffic-oriented development. However, there are two other key elements. The first is an articulated vision. The second is a well thought out development plan.
Vision means recognizing the potential. It’s also about seeing the problems that need to be solved. Everett Station is a neighborhood with a long industrial history that provides a solid and vital economic base for our community, but property owners are at risk of having to relocate due to their focus on traffic-oriented development. The neighborhood suffers from poor air quality, crime and security issues, a lack of green spaces and no idea how to contribute to climate protection solutions. It is a neighborhood that does not know how to integrate industry and housing or develop strategies for “fair neighborhood development”.
What does a thriving transit center look like? This requires a vision of 15 to 20 years into the future when the light rail will arrive. This is also the time it will take to develop thriving neighborhoods of this type. This includes the systematic use of resource opportunities and the aggressive handling of challenges. It’s about recognizing the untapped potential, discovering models in order to open up the possibilities and then generating the public will to pursue the vision.
These visions are not rocket science. There are many great case studies nearby and across the country. Everett needs to get beyond the “the market is not there” and “the resources are not there” mentality. The real barrier was a lack of imagination.
Once Everett Station has the right zoning and vision, the most important key to success is a development plan.
Two strategic parcels in the center of the district are owned by the city. The planning of this prime property can maintain current uses that are hindering development, or the planning can catalyze development of civic value, including:
• City gate, which offers a pleasant entry and exit in our city.
• Housing that offers real solutions to the city’s housing challenges.
• Economic growth in an environment that supports business success.
• Protecting the climate with contributions to the 2020 Everett Climate Action Plan.
• Equal opportunities with opportunities for all economic, racial and ethnic sectors.
• Space-creating and living spaces that bring the community together.
The development plan requires a governance structure, funding model, tiered schedule, and high quality developer leadership. The plan should start with a catalyst project.
The Convergence Study, completed in May, provides an in-depth examination of visionary master plan concepts for the Everett Station District. Funded by Washington State lawmakers and overseen by Housing Hope, the report is intended to spark a community discussion about the future of our transit center. The report is available at www.everettstationdistrict.com.
Ed Petersen is the founder of Housing Hope.